| Page 2 of 2 < |
U.S. Wins First Curling Medal
The U.S. curling team takes advantage of having the last shot as skip Pete Fenson, middle, Shawn Rojeski, left, and Joe Polo win a bronze medal.
(By Stephen Munday -- Getty Images)
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
Though the sport requires a soft touch and a smooth delivery, curling is also about strategy, and that's how the Americans beat Britain.
Taking a 4-1 lead on Fenson's double takeout in the third end -- or inning -- they turned defensive and worked to get into the final frame with a lead and the big, last-rock advantage known as the hammer.
Britain's best chance to win came with the hammer in the ninth, but it could only manage one point -- essentially holding serve.
"As soon as that shot stopped," Fenson said, "I knew I would be drawing for the win. The guys just had to keep it open so I would have a path."
The hammer went over to the Americans in the 10th end, and they kept Britain from building any protection that would keep Fenson from putting the last rock into the scoring zone. Murdoch had one rock in the target area, and he put his last rock out front as a guard.
But Fenson had an open draw around the right to get inside of Murdoch's rock and give the U.S. the bronze.
"That's the shot we always work for the win," Shuster said.
Curling Men G: Canada S: Finland B: United States U.S. Team Pete Fenson, Shawn Rojeski, Joe Polo, John Shuster
